Midway through the 2023 offseason, how is the cornerback group of the Minnesota Vikings shaping up for the upcoming season?
Last season, the cornerback position of the Minnesota Vikings was certainly a weakness, as the team allowed the fourth most air yards against, averaging 289.0 yards per game.
Despite a 13-win season, the entire Vikings secondary suffered several major injuries, never found consistency, and was part of the reason that the team replaced Ed Donatell with Brian Flores as the team’s defensive coordinator.
Let’s look at the current state of Minnesota’s cornerback room.
Cornerbacks who left the Vikings in 2023
Patrick Peterson
After two strong seasons in Minnesota, Patrick Peterson signed a two-year deal worth $14 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. Though Peterson’s stats were above average, his presence and leadership is what the Vikings will miss most.
Owning a 58.1 percent completion rate allowed, 20 pass breakups, and six interceptions, Pat Pete was the best and most reliable corner on Minnesota’s roster during his tenure.
However, the Vikings are clearly trying to get younger and faster on defense, so the 32-year-old, while still a very solid defender, was replaced in free agency this offseason by former Cardinals corner Byron Murphy. Peterson’s presence in Minnesota’s cornerback room and as a team leader will be missed though.
Cameron Dantzler
In a move that many didn’t see coming, the Vikings waived Cameron Danztler this year, and he was immediately claimed by the Washington Commanders.
Dantzler played three seasons with Minnesota, but the former third-rounder was only able to start 26 games due to injuries and consistency issues throughout his young NFL career.
He allegedly struggled with confidence in Mike Zimmer’s defense, which limited his production and development, and things didn’t get much better under Donatell in 2022.
Dantzler showed flashes on run defense and made some plays, but he struggled in man coverage, often losing jump balls and getting physically dominated by high-end wide receivers, which led to him being replaced by Duke Shelley midway through the 2022 season.
Dantzler’s three interceptions, 17 pass breakups, and a 64.9 percent completion rate allowed, should be replaced by second-year corners Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans, who are both expected to be healthy for Vikings training camp this summer.
Duke Shelley
On Thursday, it was revealed that Duke Shelley will not be returning to Minnesota this year, as he has signed a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Shelley played in 11 games, started five, and racked up eight pass breakups with an impressive 55.2 percent passer rating allowed when targeted.
Shelley was a quiet pick-up after being cut by the Chicago Bears late in the 2022 preseason, but he made the most of his opportunity last season as injuries piled up. Shelley was a pass-breakup machine, including game-saving plays when opposing quarterbacks tried to pick on him.
The former Kansas State Wildcat has certainly earned another contract, and he has openly expressed his desire to re-sign with the Vikings via Twitter. But now he will take his talents to try and help the Raiders
Cornerbacks who joined the Vikings in 2023
Byron Murphy Jr.
This offseason, Bryon Murphy Jr. signed a two-year deal with the Vikings worth $17.5 million, immediately slotting in as the team’s top cornerback.
Playing the slot for the majority of his NFL career, Murphy excelled both inside and outside in 2022, and he showed promising numbers while covering top WRs like Davante Adams and Justin Jefferson, holding them to 27 yards on just four catches.
Drafted with the 33rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Murphy had a career season in 2021 with four interceptions, and 12 passes breakups, but he only managed to play in nine games in 2022.
The 25-year-old should provide versatility and stability to Minnesota’s roster as he can line up in any corner position and win.
Vikings cornerbacks who remain unsigned
Kris Boyd
Kris Boyd also remains unsigned after spending four seasons with the Vikings. Mostly a special team ace, Boyd was the second-highest vote-getter as a special teamer for the 2022 Pro Bowl.
Boyd has only started six games at cornerback during his career, and he did not fare well in coverage, giving up 72.9 percent of passes targeted at him and a 113.2 passer rating allowed. When teams saw Boyd in coverage, they tested him, and it usually resulted in big plays.
If he were to stick around for another season, it would likely come solely as a special teamer, and at a low cost. Though it seems unlikely at this point, with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Keven O’Connell looking to overhaul the roster with their own guys wherever possible.
Vikings cornerbacks returning for 2023
Andrew Booth Jr.
Andrew Booth Jr. played in only six games, including one start, as a rookie after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has stated that he expects Booth to be limited during the offseason though should be ready to go for training camp.
Booth barely played as a rookie and has the opportunity to prove himself this season in Brian Flores’ defense.
Booth’s main strength – his physical play and ability to win contested balls – is also his biggest weakness, as he was prone to drawing pass interference and holding penalties on his college tape and during his early days in the NFL.
With Flores expecting to ask his corners to play a lot of man, the 22-year-old Booth should get the chance to compete as a starter with Akayleb Evans. He’ll need to show improvement in camp and limit his flags, but if he can do that, it would be a significant boost to the secondary.
Akayleb Evans
Akayleb Evans started two games and played in eight others as a rookie, though he suffered several concussions alocicz.
The team is expecting the Missouri product to compete for a starting job on the outside, and he looks to be poised for lots of playing time in 2023, should his concussion issues be a thing of the past.
He showed promise as a strong tackler, and he made plays in coverage, but he struggled in press coverage and making plays on the ball. That said, Evans is still young and has the potential to develop into a strong perimeter corner.
Tay Gowan
Tay Gowan was drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cardinals and he was traded later that season to the Philadelphia Eagles along with a fifth-round draft pick for tight end Zach Ertz.
Gowan was then released by the Eagles the following season before signing to the Vikings practice squad.
Appearing in just three games in 2022 with the Vikings, the 25-year-old did not play a single snap in coverage, and he only has two career tackles. He is competing for a spot on special teams and figures to be a depth piece at best.
Kalon Barnes
Kalon Barnes only appeared on special teams in two games with the Vikings in 2022. Barnes was drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, and he was waived before the season began.
Just two days later, he signed to the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad, Which was where he was poached by the Vikings.
Another depth/practice squad piece, Barnes likely won’t see the field on defense in 2023, but he could make the roster as a special teamer.